Asilah (Arabic: أصيلة،‎‎ Aṣīla; Berber: ⴰⵥⵉⵍⴰ Aẓila; "authentic", Portuguese: Arzila, Spanish: Arcila) is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 31 km (19 mi) south of Tangier. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact.

The town's history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. The Portuguese conquered the city in 1471, but later it was decided to abandon it because of an economic debt crisis in 1549. Later in 1578, Sebastian of Portugal used Asilah as a base town for his troops during a planned crusade that resulted in Sebastian's death, which in turn caused the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. The Moroccans in 1589 regained control of Asilah briefly, but then lost control of it to the Spanish.
In 1692, the town was again taken by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. Asilah served then as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1829, the Austrians punitively bombarded the city due to Moroccan piracy.

From 1912 to 1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco. A major plan to restore the town was undertaken in 1978 by its mayor, Mohamed Benaissa. The first edition of an art festival known as the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah was launched that year to help generate tourism. It was successful in generating revenue for the city and played a role in raising the average monthly income from $50 in 1978 to $140 in 2014. The festival features local artwork and music and continues to attract large amounts of tourists.

Asilah is now a popular seaside resort, with modern holiday apartment complexes on the coast road leading to the town from Tangier.

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Our top choices for Asilah villas

Villa in Tanger

AED 1,261 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Villa in La Nouvelle Ville Ibn Batouta

AED 826 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Amazing and friendly Staff "

Hotel Zelis

10/10 Excellent

"We had planned on staying in Tangiers and had not realized the hotel was in Asilah, 35 minutes away by train. We decided to give Asilah a good look and were very pleased with the Hotel Zelis. Close to the rail station we found it simple and inexpensive to move around by taxis. We had a room on the fourth floor with a spectacular view of the ocean. There was a sand dredger working in the harbor but we didnt hear it ( but could see its lights).Great little breakfast buffet. Out for a stroll I had a sweet little girl about ten who made me a delicious crepe with Nutella drizzled on top. Very safe to be out walking at night. Not impressed with the Medina but maybe I’m just spoiled. Highly recommend Asilah for a couple of nights and we liked the Hotel Zelis."

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How much do villas in Asilah cost?

Villas in Asilah cost between AED 826 and AED 1,261 per night. These stays provide the privacy to enjoy your own space at a price that won't stretch the budget. These prices were available on Expedia within the past 7 days, for a hotel booking with a check-in date within the next year. Prices reflect current offers and availability is subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Our top choices for Asilah villas

Villa in Tanger

Villa in La Nouvelle Ville Ibn Batouta

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

Asilah 32

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hotel Al Khaima

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Diagonal Hotel

Hotel Zelis

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